Leica flagship camera

[davidmknoble]

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On 11/30/2019 at 4:31 PM, geetee1972 said:

I generally know where i am when I take pictures so the loss of a GPS function is no great shakes.

For some I am sure loss of GPS will not matter.  For me, I have collections of images from specific coastlines, and I like to be able to compare images spanning multiple years from the same location.  So for me, GPS is important and I am typically in areas with lousy cell phone signals, but wide open sky - the SL 601 and S007 quickly get a GPS signal.  

So, I would hope for choice at that price level!

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[Stuart Richardson]

The body seems to be functionally the same as the S007, why would they take it out? I think the main reason that it was taken out in the SL2 is probably because they added stabilization and had less room in the body...they probably also wanted to clean up the design, so they removed the bump. They already did that on the 007, so presumably the GPS functionality is unaltered...

[davidmknoble]

This is an interesting discussion and several suggestions have been made of the Leica model that is the 'flagship.'  

I would propose this:

Leica has tried to develop a 'flagship' brand.  By that I mean they have tried to become the best of each type of camera.  Sure, it was simpler when it was only 35mm film - and each successive body type had a different market and different user.  If you look at the most reliable mechanically, you would probably come up with something like:  Leica IIIC, Leica M3, Leica MP.  Then there were the unique:  Leica M2R, Leica MD and others.  Finally there were some that were more affordable:  Leica M2, M4 and M6.  (don't critique me too much here - I did this off the cuff to show a point).

So, today we have the Leica M series which is advertised as the most compact 35mm, full frame (and full frame film) body because of the rangefinder (mirrorless) and with the highest quality images in the smallest possible packages (i.e., small lenses with great image quality).

Then, we have the SL market with mirrorless that has provided some new outstanding primes, small, same filter size and incredible images and focusing speed compared to other lenses.  Leica opened up the mount and so there are others in the market, but probably some 'flagship' lenses at least.

Finally, we have the S series which is clearly a 'flagship' in the medium format market.  The image quality of the S has been incredible since the first model and the lenses have not only great optical quality, but also larger f/stops (smaller numbers) than the other manufacturers.  Focus speed and motors were not the focus, (no pun intended) because the medium format was not geared towards sporting events and documentary work.  Also, the S lenses have this central shutter concept which is perfect for studio lighting.  While other brands have that too, Leica built it in their high quality lenses to ensure all medium format users might find the lenses they need.

The Leica Q falls somewhere between the M and SL I think, but the other Leica models - Dlux, Clux, V, X, and to some extent the CL are branches into reasonable camera systems, but not nearly as competitive as other brands.

In summary, I think we have 3 (maybe 4) 'flagship' models of cameras with Leica - all for different purposes, but stellar in their field.  So, the M for documentary, travel, small size, the SL for fast autofocus and multiple lens attachments (M, S, Nikon, Canon) and the S with incredible medium format capabilities and brighter lenses to focus with (2, 2.5 and 2.8 apertures).

That is why I believe the S3 will come and will be great when it does.  Leica has typically delayed the S in order to fine tune the sensor output.  The SL and the now seen M10-monochrom use very similar sensor size and pixel density.  The S has the same density, but a larger size - but the S is known for images that need very little touchup to use, if exposed under proper lighting.

Sorry for rambling, does anyone think this makes sense or have I gone off the deep end?

 

[Herr Barnack]

Quote

"... I believe the S3 will come and will be great when it does..."

I hope when the S3 hits the market, it turns out to be an abysmal $27,000 USD piece of crap.  M camera GAS is hard enough to keep up with as it is.  😧